Nectarine tree named ‘SWEET REI’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of white nectarine tree ( Prunus persica  (L.) Batsch var.  nucipersica  (Suckow) C.K. Schneid.) denominated ‘SWEET REI’, characterized by being late-maturing, having high Brix and relatively low acidity white flesh, excellent eating quality fruit, being easy to eat because of its freestone fruit, having an attractive dark-red fruit skin color, and no deterioration of eating quality of fruit even after storage for two weeks in a refrigerator.

Botanical classification: Prunus persica (L.) Batsch var. nucipersica (Suckow) C.K. Schneid.

Variety denomination: ‘SWEET REI’.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to Japanese Plant Variety Registration Application No. 33273 filed on Jul. 23, 2018, which is incorporated by reference herein as if set forth in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE VARIETY

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of white nectarine tree (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch var. nucipersica (Suckow) C.K. Schneid.), which has been given the variety denomination ‘SWEET REI’. This novel variety was found by natural hybridization of the seed parent variety ‘SWEET VENUS’ (Japanese Plant Variety Registration No. 12301, registered on Nov. 8, 2004), in Tsukidate-cho, Date-city, Fukushima-prefecture, Japan.

This new white nectarine produces fruits, which are late-maturing, having high brix and relatively low acidity white flesh as well as attractive dark-red skin color, excellent eating quality, and are easy to eat because of its freestone flesh.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

As stated above, the new variety of white nectarine ‘SWEET REI’ was obtained from natural hybridization of ‘SWEET VENUS’ (Japanese Plant Variety Registration No. 12301, registered on Nov. 8, 2004), the seed parent of the present variety, in Tsukidate-cho, Date-city, Fukushima-prefecture, Japan, where it was tested.

In 2011, ‘SWEET VENUS’ was open-pollinated in the inventor's orchard in Tsukidate-cho, Date-city, Fukushima-prefecture, Japan, and 10 of its natural hybrid seeds were seeded and the resultant seedlings were grown at the orchard.

Five (5) germinated seedlings of the above-obtained seedlings were further grown, and the first fruits were observed in 2013. Among the 5 trees from the germinated seedlings, the inventor selected one tree as a mother tree because of its characteristics as having high brix (sweet) and relatively low acidity, excellent eating quality, and easy to eat fruits. In 2014, the second generation of the mother tree was grown by asexual reproduction by grafting onto a wild white-flowered peach tree rootstock (non-patented, being indigenous on a mountain in Tsukidate-cho, Date-city, Fukushima-prefecture, Japan), and the observation of the characteristics of the second generation tree was started. The asexually propagated tree remained true to the original tree (i.e., mother tree), and all characteristics of the tree and fruits of the mother tree were transmitted. In 2017, this new variety was denominated by the inventor as ‘SWEET REI’.

The above-identified mother tree and the second generation tree of ‘SWEET REI’ have been maintained in Tsukidate-cho, Date-city, Fukushima-prefecture, Japan.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

The new white nectarine variety ‘SWEET REI’ exhibits outstanding and distinguishing characteristics when grown under normal nectarine cultivation practices, including:

-   -   (1) high brix (Brix 15 to 17 degree), relatively low acidity,         and white flesh fruit;     -   (2) excellent eating quality fruit;     -   (3) being easy to eat because of its freestone fruit;     -   (4) attractive dark-red fruit skin color; and     -   (5) no deterioration of eating quality of fruit even after         storage for two weeks in a refrigerator.

The fruits of ‘SWEET REI’ is suitable for fruit gifts, such as fruit gift boxes or fruit baskets, since it has attractive dark-red skin color as well as excellent eating quality, and is easy to eat because of its freestone flesh.

In addition, since the fruit of ‘SWEET REI’ has high brix and relatively low acidity, it can also be used for preparation of processed fruits, such as fruit cake, fruit jelly, canned fruits, fruit juice and fruit jam.

For reliable description, the characteristics of ‘SWEET REI’ are described as compared to those of the yellow nectarine variety ‘SWEET VENUS’ (the seed parent of the present variety, Prunus persica (L.) Batsch var. nucipersica (Suckow) C.K. Schneid.) and the representative variety of white peach, ‘Kawanakajima Hakuto’ (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch), its the attached Table 1 (Table of Characteristics).

As stated herein below and described in the attached Table of Characteristics, ‘SWEET REI’ has apparently different characteristics from those of the variety ‘SWEET VENUS’ and the variety ‘Kawanakajima Hakuto’.

‘SWEET REI’ clearly differs from its seed parent variety ‘SWEET VENUS’, which has yellow, relatively firm and clingstone fruits, in that ‘SWEET REI’ has dark-red fruit skin color, white fruit flesh, and relatively soft, freestone and easy to eat fruit. Moreover, since ‘SWEET REI’ needs not being grown under plastic cover, its cultivation is easier than that of ‘SWEET VENUS’, which needs to be plastic covered.

In addition, ‘SWEET REI’ clearly differs from the representative variety of white peach ‘Kawanakajima Hakuto’, which has Brix 13 degree, in that ‘SWEET REI’ has higher Brix (Brix 15 to 17 degree).

‘SWEET REI’ is in fact outstanding and readily identified as being such.

It should be noted that the plant age of all the plants of ‘SWEET REI’, which were observed and photographed for botanical description, was 3 years (except for the 7-year-old mother tree of ‘SWEET REI’ in FIG. 21 ).

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

This new white nectarine variety is illustrated by the accompanying digital color photographs, depicting defining characteristics of the plant by the best possible color photography. Colors of foliage, flowers, fruits and other plant parts may vary from year to year depending on, among other factors, nectarine cultivation practices, light conditions, air temperature, soil fertility, etc.

FIG. 1 illustrates a whole fruit of ‘SWEET REI’ fruiting on a tree (photographed date: Sep. 1, 2017; photographed location: Tsukidate-cho, Date-city, Fukushima-prefecture, Japan; and the age of photographed ‘SWEET REI’: 3 years).

FIG. 2 illustrates apexes of 6 fruits of ‘SWEET REI’ (photographed date: Aug. 31, 2017; photographed location: Higashine-city, Yamagata-prefecture, Japan; and the age of photographed ‘SWEET REI’: 3 years).

FIG. 3 illustrates lateral view of 6 fruits of ‘SWEET REI’ (photographed date: Aug. 31, 2017; photographed location: Higashine-city, Yamagata-prefecture, Japan; and the age of photographed ‘SWEET REI’: 3 years).

FIG. 4 illustrates stalk cavity of 6 fruits of ‘SWEET REI’ (photographed date: Aug. 31, 2017; photographed location: Higashine-city, Yamagata-prefecture, Japan; and the age of photographed ‘SWEET REI’: 3 years).

FIG. 5 illustrates 4 fruits of ‘SWEET REI’; 2 bagged fruits (left) and 2 not bagged fruits (right) (photographed date: Sep. 1, 2017; photographed location: Higashine-city, Yamagata-prefecture, Japan; and the age of photographed ‘SWEET REI’: 3 years).

FIG. 6 illustrates 4 fruit of ‘SWEET REI’ (left), ‘SWEET VENUS’ (middle) and ‘Kawanakajima Hakuto’ (right), respectively (photographed date: Sep. 1, 2017; photographed location: Higashine-city, Yamagata-prefecture, Japan; and the age of photographed ‘SWEET REI’, ‘SWEET VENUS’ and ‘Kawanakajima Hakuto’: 3 years).

FIG. 7 illustrates longitudinal section view of fruits of ‘SWEET REI’ (photographed date: Aug. 31, 2017; photographed location: Higashine-city, Yamagata-prefecture, Japan; and the age of photographed ‘SWEET REI’; 3 years).

FIG. 8 illustrates cross section view of 4 fruits of ‘SWEET REI’ (left), ‘SWEET VENUS’ (middle) and ‘Kawanakajima Hakuto’ (right), respectively (photographed date: Sep. 1, 2017; photographed location: Higashine-city, Yamagata-prefecture, Japan; and the age of photographed ‘SWEET REI’, ‘SWEET VENUS’ and ‘Kawanakajima Hakuto’: 3 years).

FIG. 9 illustrates 10 flowers of ‘SWEET REI’ (photographed date: Apr. 10, 2018; photographed location: Higashine-city, Yamagata-prefecture, Japan; and the age of photographed ‘SWEET REI’: 3 years).

FIG. 10 illustrates 10 flowers of ‘SWEET REI’ (5 flowers before fertilization (upper) and 5 flowers with fertilized ovule (lower)) (photographed date: Apr. 10, 2018; photographed location: Higashine-city, Yamagata-prefecture, Japan; and the age of photographed ‘SWEET REI’: 3 years).

FIG. 11 illustrates 4 flowers of ‘SWEET REI’ (left), ‘SWEET VENUS’ (middle) and ‘Kawanakajima Hakuto’ (right), respectively (2 flowers before fertilization (upper) and 2 flowers with fertilized ovule (lower), respectively) (photographed date: Apr. 10, 2018; photographed location: Higashine-city, Yamagata-prefecture, Japan; and the age of photographed ‘SWEET REI’, ‘SWEET VENUS’ and ‘Kawanakajima Hakuto’: 3 years).

FIG. 12 illustrates a close-up longitudinal section view of a flower of ‘SWEET REI’ (photographed date: Apr. 10, 2018; photographed location: Higashine-city, Yamagata-prefecture, Japan; and the age of photographed ‘SWEET REI’: 3 years).

FIG. 13 illustrates a close-up longitudinal section view of a flower of ‘SWEET VENUS’ (photographed date: Apr. 10, 2018; photographed location: Higashine-city, Yamagata-prefecture, Japan; and the age of photographed ‘SWEET REI’: 3 years).

FIG. 14 illustrates a close-up longitudinal section view of a flower of ‘Kawanakajima Hakuto’ (photographed date: Apr. 10, 2018; photographed location: Higashine-city, Yamagata-prefecture, Japan; and the age of photographed ‘SWEET REI’: 3 years).

FIG. 15 illustrates 10 flower petals of ‘SWEET REI’ (upper), ‘SWEET VENUS’ (middle) and ‘Kawanakajima Hakuto’ (bottom), respectively (photographed date: Apr. 10, 2018; photographed location: Higashine-city, Yamagata-prefecture, Japan; and the age of photographed ‘SWEET REI’, ‘SWEET VENUS’ and ‘Kawanakajima Hakuto’: 3 years).

FIG. 16 illustrates a branch of ‘SWEET REI’ with a number of leaves (photographed date: Sep. 1, 2017; photographed location: Higashine-city, Yamagata-prefecture, Japan; and the age of photographed ‘SWEET REI’: 3 years).

FIG. 17 illustrates a branch of ‘SWEET VENUS’ with a number of leaves (photographed date: Sep. 1, 2017; photographed location: Higashine-city, Yamagata-prefecture, Japan; and the age of photographed ‘SWEET VENUS’: 3 years).

FIG. 18 illustrates a branch of ‘Kawanakajima Hakuto’ with a number of leaves (photographed date: Sep. 1, 2017; photographed location: Higashine-city, Yamagata-prefecture, Japan; and the age of photographed ‘Kawanakajima Hakuto’: 3 years).

FIG. 19 illustrates 10 leaves of ‘SWEET REI’ (5 upper surface of leaves (upper) and 5 lower surface of leaves (lower)) (photographed date: Sep. 1, 2017; photographed location: Higashine-city, Yamagata-prefecture, Japan; and the age of photographed ‘SWEET REI’: 3 years).

FIG. 20 illustrates 4 leaves of ‘SWEET REI’ (left), ‘SWEET VENUS’ (middle) and ‘Kawanakajima Hakuto’ (right), respectively (2 upper surface of leaves (left), and 2 lower surface of leaves (right), respectively) (photographed date: Sep. 1, 2017; photographed location: Higashine-city, Yamagata-prefecture, Japan; and the age of photographed ‘SWEET REI’, ‘SWEET VENUS’ and ‘Kawanakajima Hakuto’: 3 years).

FIG. 21 illustrates a whole mother tree of ‘SWEET REI’ (photographed date: Sep. 1, 2017; photographed location: Tsukidate-cho, Date-city, Fukushima-prefecture, Japan; and the age of photographed ‘SWEET REI’: 7 years).

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

The following is a detailed botanical description of the new variety of white nectarine, its tree, flower, foliage and fruit, as based on observations of 3 year old specimens grown in Tsukidate-cho, Date-city, Fukushima-prefecture, Japan, with color in accordance with The R.H.S. Colour Chart 2015.

-   1. Tree:     -   -   Size.—Medium (3 year old tree: Height: 5 to 3 m; Width: 3.5             to 4 m).         -   Vigor.—Medium vigorous.         -   Growth habit.—Semi-upright.         -   Tree shape.—Flared shape.         -   Hardiness.—USDA hardiness zone 8a.         -   Disease pest resistance/susceptibility.—Resistance to             Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni.         -   Trunk diameter (at 50 cm height from ground).—18.9 cm.         -   Bark texture.—Smooth (8 year old tree).         -   Bark color.—Gray (RHS Code: 201D).         -   Trunk lenticel number.—0.7/cm².         -   Trunk lenticel shape.—Long ellipse.         -   Trunk lenticel height.—1.5 mm.         -   Trunk lenticel width.—3.0 mm.         -   Trunk lenticel color.—Gray-brown (RHS Code: N119C). -   2. Shoot:     -   -   Shoot length.—22.0 cm.         -   Shoot diameter.—0.3 cm.         -   Shoot texture.—Smooth.         -   Shoot internode length.—2.4 cm.         -   Shoot color.—Green (RHS Code: 142C). -   3. Leaves:     -   -   Time of leaf bud burst.—Medium, around March 25 (3 year old             tree).         -   Leaf blade shape.—Lanceolate.         -   Leaf blade length.—Average length 18.61 cm.         -   Leaf blade width.—Average width 3.71 cm.         -   Leaf ratio of length/width.—Large (average 5.02).         -   Leaf blade shape in cross section.—Flat.         -   Leaf apex form.—Attenuate-acuminate.         -   Leaf margin.—Sawtoothed.         -   Recurvature of leaf blade apex.—Absent.         -   Shape (angle) at base of leaf blade.—Acute.         -   Leaf texture.—Smooth and glabrous on both surfaces.         -   Color of upper surface of mature leaf blade.—Dark Green (RHS             Code: 136A).         -   Color of lower surface of mature leaf blade.—Strong Yellow             Green (RHS Code: 144A).         -   Leaf venation pattern.—Pinnately veined, and having             concavo-convex veins on lower surface of leaves.         -   Red mid-vein on lower surface of mature leaf blade.—Absent.         -   Petiole length.—Average length 1.34 cm.         -   Petiole diameter.—2 mm.         -   Petiole texture.—Smooth.         -   Color of petiole.—Green (RHS Code: 142C).         -   Nectaries on petiole of leaf.—Present.         -   Shape of nectaries on petiole of leaf.—Rounded and reniform.         -   Predominant number of nectaries on petiole of leaf.—More             than two. -   4. Flower buds:     -   -   Density of flower buds on the first-year flowering             shoot.—Dense.         -   General distribution of flower buds on the first-year             flowering shoot.—Distributed in groups of two or more.         -   Flower bud shape.—Conic in form with a round tip.         -   Flower bud length.—7.3 mm.         -   Flower bud diameter.—3.9 mm.         -   Flower bud color.—Light Greenish Grey (RHS Code: 188C). -   5. Flowers:     -   -   Flower type.—Showy.         -   Flower height.—26 mm.         -   Flower diameter.—35 mm.         -   Flower fragrance.—Faint.         -   Calyx color of inner side (opened flower, before falling of             petals).—Strong Yellowish Green (RHS Code: N144A).         -   Corolla: predominant color (inner side).—Light Purplish pink             (RHS Code: 65B).         -   Petal shape.—Rounded shaped.         -   Petal size.—Average size 3.27 cm².         -   Petal length.—17 mm.         -   Petal width.—15 mm.         -   Petal number per flower.—Five.         -   Petal apex.—Rounded and curved.         -   Petal margin.—Undulating like a wave.         -   Petal base.—Acute.         -   Petal texture.—Smooth and soft (both surfaces).         -   Sepal number per flower.—Five.         -   Sepal length.—8 mm.         -   Sepal width.—4 mm.         -   Sepal shape.—Conic with a round tip.         -   Sepal apex.—Rounded.         -   Sepal margin.—Smooth.         -   Color of upper surface of sepal.—Red Purple (RHS Code: 59C).         -   Color of lower surface of sepal.—Green (RHS Code: 141C).         -   Time of beginning of flowering.—Medium, around April 12 (3             year old tree).         -   Duration of flowering.—Medium, around April 12 to around             April 24 (3 year old tree). -   6. Reproductive organs:     -   -   Stamens position compared to petals.—Below.         -   Stamen number.—41.         -   Stigma position compared to anthers.—Above.         -   Anther length.—1 mm.         -   Color of anther.—Yellow Orange (RHS Code: 20A).         -   Filament length.—12 mm.         -   Color of filament.—Red Purple (RHS Code: 68B).         -   Pistil number.—One (1).         -   Pistil length.—19 mm.         -   Pollen in anthers.—Present.         -   Pollen amount.—Abundant.         -   Color of pollen.—Yellow Orange (RHS Code: 22B).         -   Pubescence on ovary.—Absent. -   7. Fruit:     -   -   Fruit size (weight).—Medium, Average weight: 208.7 g.         -   Fruit shape in ventral view.—Oblate.         -   Fruit shape of pistil end.—Weakly depressed.         -   Fruit: symmetry viewed from pistil end.—Asymmetric.         -   Fruit cheek diameter.—81.0 to 85.0 mm.         -   Fruit axial diameter.—10.0 to 72.0 mm.         -   Fruit: prominence of suture.—Medium.         -   Fruit: depth of stalk cavity.—Medium, Average depth: 1.3 cm.         -   Fruit: width of stalk cavity.—20 mm.         -   Fruit: ground color of fruit skin.—Light Yellow Green (RHS             Code: 54D).         -   Presence or absence of over color of fruit skin.—Present.         -   Fruit: hue of over color of fruit skin.—Dark Red (RHS Code:             59A).         -   Fruit: pattern of over color of fruit skin.—Mottled.         -   Fruit: extent of over color of fruit skin (bagged             fruit).—100%.         -   Fruit: extent of over color of fruit skin (non-bagged             fruit).—50%.         -   Pubescence on fruit.—Absent.         -   Fruit: thickness of skin.—Thin.         -   Fruit: adherence of skin to flesh.—Strong.         -   Fruit: firmness of flesh.—Medium.         -   Fruit: ground color of fruit flesh.—Yellowish White (RHS             Code: 155B).         -   Fruit: anthocyanin coloration directly under fruit             skin.—Absent or very weakly expressed.         -   Color of anthocyanin coloration directly under fruit skin,             very weakly expressed.—Red Purple (RHS Code: 58B).         -   Fruit: anthocyanin coloration of fruit flesh.—Absent or very             weakly expressed.         -   Color of anthocyanin coloration of fruit flesh, when very             weakly expressed.—Red Purple (RHS Code: N66C).         -   Fruit: anthocyanin coloration around stone.—Strongly             expressed.         -   Color of anthocyanin coloration around stone.—Red Purple             (RHS Code: N57B).         -   Fruit: texture of fruit flesh.—Not fibrous.         -   Fruit sweetness.—High, Brix 15 to 17 degree.         -   Fruit acidity.—Medium.         -   Fruit taste.—Sweet, high level of sugars and relatively low             acidity.         -   Fruit eating quality.—Very good and easy to eat.         -   Time of maturity for consumption.—Late, around late August.         -   Tendency to crack.—Present.         -   Tendency to preharvest drop.—Weak.         -   Date of first picking.—Around August 25.         -   Date of last picking.—Around September 5.         -   Productivity.—Around 600 fruits are produced per tree per             season (8 year old tree). -   8. Stone:     -   -   Stone: size compared to fruit (ratio weight of stone/weight             of fruit). Small.         -   Stone length.—34 mm.         -   Stone width.—22 mm.         -   Stone diameter.—27 mm.         -   Stone shape in lateral view.—Obovate.         -   Stone apex shape.—Short, pointed.         -   Stone base shape.—Straight.         -   Stone: intensity of brown color.—Dark.         -   Stone: relief of surface.—Pits and grooves.         -   Stone: tendency of splitting (at peak harvest)).—Medium.         -   Stone: presence or absence of adherence to fruit             flesh.—Absent.         -   Stone: degree of adherence to flesh.—Weak.         -   Stone cavity: length.—23 mm.         -   Stone cavity: diameter.—13 mm.         -   Kernel length.—17 mm.         -   Kernel width.—12 mm.         -   Kernel thickness.—5 mm.         -   Kernel shape.—Long elliptic.         -   Color of kernel.—Grayed Orange (RHS Code: 172C). -   9. Others:     -   -   Keeping quality.—Remarkable. Fruit of ‘SWEET REI’ have a             slow maturation and a long shelf life both on the tree after             growth completion (before harvesting) and after harvesting             without alteration. After harvest, fruits are well preserved             around 2 weeks, at around 4.0 degree Celsius.         -   Shipping quality.—Considered very good. The fruits of ‘SWEET             REI’ showed minimal bruising of the flesh or skin damage             after being subjected to normal harvesting and packing             procedures. Its resistance to handling during harvest and             packing and its long shelf life without alteration after             harvest easily permit around 2 weeks-shipping, at around 4.0             degrees Celsius.

The comparison of characteristics of the present variety ‘SWEET REI’ with the comparator varieties ‘SWEET VENUS’ and ‘Kawanakajimahakuto’ is summarized in Table 1 below.

TABLE 1 (Table of Characteristics) Chara- cter UPOV No. No. Symbol Characteristics 1 10 QNG Tree: size 2 2 QN Tree: vigor 3 3(*) QN Tree: habit 4 4 QN Flowering shoot: thickness (excluding brindilles) 5 5 QN Flowering shoot: length of internodes (excluding brindilles) 6 6(*) QL Flowering shoot: anthocyanin coloration (excluding brindilles, side away from sun) 7 7(*) QN Flowering shoot: intensity of anthocyanin coloration (excluding brindilles, side away from sun) 8 8(*) ON Flowering shoot: densly of flower buds 9 9 QL Flowering shoot: general distribution of flower buds (excluding brindilles, side away from sun) 10 10(*) QLG Flower type 11 11(*) PQ Calyx color of inner side (opened flower, before falling of petals) 12 12(*) PQ Corolla: predominant color (inner side) 13 13(*) PQ Petal: shape 14 14(*) QN Petal: size 15 15(*) QL Petals: number 16 16 QN Stamens; position compared to petals 17 17(*) QN Stigma: position compared to anthers 18 18(*) QL Anthers: pollen 19 19(*) QL Ovary: pubescence 21 21(*) QN Leaf blade: length 22 22(*) QN Leaf blade: width 23 23(*) QN Leaf blade , ratio length/width 24 24 PQ Leaf blade: shape in cross section 25 25 QL Leaf blade: recurvature of apex 26 26 PQ Leaf blade angle at base 28 28 PQ Leaf blade: color 29 QL Leaf: red mid-vein on the lower side 30 29 QN Petiole: lenglh 31 30(*) QLG Petiole: nectaries 32 31(*) PG(*) Petiole: shape of nectaries 33 32 QL Petiole: predominant number of nectaries 34 33(*) QN Fruit: size 35 34(*) PQ(+) Fruit: shape (in ventral view) 36(*) 35 PG Fruit: shape of pistil end 37 36 QL(+) Fruit: symmetry (viewed from pistil end) 38 37 QN Fruit: prominence of suture 39 38 QN(+) Fruit: depth of stalk cavity 40 39 QN Fruit: width of stalk cavity 41 40(*) PQ Fruit: groundcolor 42 41 QL Fruit: over color 43 42 PQ Fruit: hue of over color 44 43(*) PQ Fruit : pattern of over color 45 44(*) QN Fruit: extent of over oobr 46 45(*) QIG Fruit: pubescence 48 47 QN Fruit: thickness of skin 49 48 QN Fruit: adherence of skin to flesh 50 49(*) QN Fruit: firmness of flesh 51 50(*) PQG Fruit: ground colorof flesh 52 51(*) QN Fruit: anthocyanin Fruit: anthocyanin coloration coloration directly under skin directly under skin 53 52(*) QN Fruit: anthocyanin Fruit: anthocyanin coloration coloration of flesh of flesh 54 53(*) QN Fruit: anthocyanin Fruit: anthocyanin coloration around stone coloration around stone 55 54 QL Fruit: texture ot the Fruit: texture of flesh the flesh 56 55 QN Fruit: sweetness Fruit: sweetness 57 56 QN Fruit: acidity Fruit: acidity 58 57(*) QN Stone: size Stone: size compared compared to fruit to fruit 59 58(*) PQ(*) Stone: shape in lateral Stone: shape (in view lateral view) 60 59 ON Stone: intensity of Stone: intensity of brown color brown color 61 60 PC(*) Stone: relief of Stone, relief of surface surface 62 61 QN Stone: tendency of Stone: tendency of splitting splitting (at peak harvest) 63 62(*) QLG Stone: adherence Stone: adherence to flesh to flesh 64 63 ON Stone: degree of Stone: degree of adherence to flesh adherence to flesh 65 64 QN Tine of leaf Time of leaf bud burst bud burst 66 65(*) QNG Tine of Time of beginning of beginning of flowering flowering 67 66(*) QN Duration of Duration of flowering flowering 68 67(*) QNG Time of Time of maturity tor maturity for consumption consumption 69 68 QN Tendency to Tendency to preharvest preharvest drop drop Char- acter No. Definition Method Grade 1 Size of whole tree Observation 1 3 5 6 7 9 2 Vigor of growth of branches Observation 3 5 7 3 Shape of whole tree, viewed Observation 1 from lateral side 3 5 7 9 4 Thickness of center part of first-year Measurement 3 grown shoot mm 5 7 5 Length of internodes of Measurement 1 center part of first- cm 3 year grown shoot 5 7 9 6 Presence or absence of anthocyanin Observation 1 expression in first-year 9 flowering shoot, side away from sun 7 Intensity of anthocyanin expression in a Observation 3 first-year flowering shoot 6 7 8 Density of fbwer buds on a first- Measurement 3 year flowering shoot 5 7 9 General distrimtbn of flower Observation 1 buds on a first- 2 year flowering shoot 10 Flower type in flowering time Observation 1 2 11 Color of inner side of calyx- Observation 1 tube in flowering time 2 12 Color of inner Observation 1 side of petal in 2 flowering time 3 4 5 6 7 13 Shape of petal Observation 1 in flowering time 2 3 14 Size of petal in Measurement 1 flowering tine cm 3 5 7 9 15 Number of Measurement 1 petals per flower in flowering time 2 16 Relative position Observation 1 of stamens to 2 petals in flowering time 3 17 Relative position Observation 1 of stigma to 2 antoers in flowering time 3 18 Presence or Observation 1 absence of pollen in flowering time 9 19 Presence or absence of pubescence on Observation 1 ovary in flowering time 9 21 Longitudinal length of mature leaf on Measurement 3 center part of first- cm 5 year shoot (excluding petiole) 7 22 Maximum width of mature leaf on Measurement 3 center part of first-year shoot cm 5 7 23 Ratb of lenglh/maximum width of Measurement 3 mature leaf on center part of first-year 5 shoot 7 24 Shape b cross- section of center part of Observation 1 mature leaf on center part of first-year 2 shoot 3 25 Recurvature of leaf blade apex of mature Observation 1 leaf on center part of first-year shoot 9 26 Shape of mature leaf base on center part Observation 1 of first-year shoot 2 3 28 Color of mature leaf on center part of Observation 1 first-year shoot 2 3 29 Red mid-vein on the lower stde of Observation 1 mature leaf on center 9 part of first-year shoot 30 Length of petiole of mature leaf Measurement 3 on center part of mm 5 first-year shoot 7 31 Presence or absence of nectaries Observation 1 on petiole immedately 9 after completion of extension of petiole 32 Shape of nectaries on petiole Observation 1 2 33 Predominant number of nectaries on Measurement 1 petiole 2 34 Weight of mature fruit Measurement 1 g 3 5 7 9 35 Shape of mature fruit viewed from Observation 1 frontside (suture side) 2 3 4 5 36(*) Shape a# fruit apex of mature fruit Observation 1 2 3 4 5 37 Symmetry of mature fruit, viewed Observation 1 from fruit apex 2 38 Depth of suture at eguatorial part of Observation 3 mature fruit 5 7 39 Depth of stalk cavity of mature fruit Measurement 3 cm 5 7 40 Width of stak cavity of mature fruit Measurement 3 cm 5 7 41 Ground color of fruit skin of mature fruit Observation 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 42 Presence or absence of over color of Observation 1 fruit skin of mature fruit 9 43 Hue of over color of fruit skin of Observation 1 mature fruit 2 3 4 5 6 44 Pattern of over color of fruit skin of Observation 1 mature fruit 2 3 4 45 Extent of over color on mature fruit Observation 1 3 5 7 9 46 Presence or absence of pubescence on Observation 1 surface of mature fruit 9 48 Thickness of fruit skin of mature fruit Measurement 3 mm 5 7 49 Adherence of fruit skin to fruit flesh Observation 1 3 5 7 9 50 Firmness of fruit flesh at equatorial part Measurement 1 of mature fruit 3 5 7 9 51 Ground color of fruit flesh of mature Observation 1 fruit 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 52 Intensity of anthocyanin coloration at Observation 1 immedately under fruit skin of mature fruit 2 3 53 Intensity of anthocyanin coloration in fruit Observation 1 flesh of mature fruit 2 3 54 Intensity of anthocyanin coloration around Observation 1 stone of mature fruit 2 3 55 Texture of fruit flesh at equatorial part of Observation 1 mature fruit 2 56 Degree of sweetness of fruit flesh at Measurement 3 equatorial part of mature fruit 5 7 57 Degree of acidity of fruit flesh at equatorial Measurement 3 part of mature fruit 5 7 58 Relative weight of stone to mature fruit Measurement 3 (weight of stone whole weight of fruit) 5 7 59 Shape in lateral view (non- suture side) Observation 1 of stone of mature fruit 2 3 4 60 Intensity of brown cobr of stone of Observation 3 mature fruit 5 7 61 Relief of surface of stone of mature fruit Observation 1 2 3 4 62 Tendency of splitting of stone of mature Measurement 1 fruit 3 5 7 9 63 Presence or absence of adherence of stone Observation 1 (or free stone) to fruit flash of mature fruit 9 64 Degree of adherence of stone (or free Observation 3 stone) to fruit flesh of mature fruit 5 7 65 Timing of first Observation 1 leaf bud burst 3 5 7 9 66 Timing of Observation 1 beginning of 3 seguential flowering 5 7 9 67 Length of Observation 3 duration of flowering 5 7 68 Timing of Observation 1 maturity of fruit 3 for consumption 5 7 9 69 Tendency to Observation 1 preharvest drop 3 5 7 9 State ¶ Char- ‘Kawanakajma acter ‘Sweet Rei’ ‘Sweet venus’ Hakuto’ No. (present tree) (comparator 1) (comparator 2) 1 very smal very small very small smal small small medium medium medium 2.7 m (Height) semi-large 2.5 to semi-large semi-large 3 m (Height) 3.8 m (Height) large large large very large very large very large 2 weak weak weak medium medium medium strong strong strong 3 upright upright upright semi-upright semi-upright semi-upright spreadmg spreadng spreading drooping drooping droophg weeping weeping weeping 4 thin thin thin medium medium medium thick thick thick 5 very short very short very short short short short medium medium medium long bog long long very long very long 6 absent absent absent present present present 7 weak weak weak medium medium medium strong strong strong 8 sparse sparse sparse medium medium medium dense dense dense 9 isolated isolated isolated in groups in groups in groups of two or more of two or more of two or more 10 showy showy showy non showy non showy non showy 11 greenish yellow greenish yelow greenish yelow strong yellowish green orange orange (RHS Code: N144A) (RHS Code: 33A) (RHS Code: 25A) 12 white white white very ligft pink very light pink very fight pink light purplish pink ight pink light pink (RHSCode: 65B) (RHSCode: 62B) (RHS Code: 62D) medium pink medium pink medium pink dark pink dark pink dark pink violet pink violet pink violet pink red red red 13 narrow eliptic nanow eliptic narrow eliptic broad elliptic broad eliptic broad eliptic round round round 14 very small very small very small smal small small medium 3.27 cm medium 3.68 cm medium 3.5 cm² large large large very large very large very large 15 five five five 6 or more 6 or more 6 or more 16 below below below same level same level same level above above above 17 below below bebw same level same level same level above above above 18 absent absent absent present present present 19 absent absent absent present present present 21 short short short 13.2 cm medium medium 16.61 cm medium long 18.61 cm long long 22 narrow narrow narrow 3.35 cm medium 3.71 cm medium 3.94 cm medium broad broad broad 23 small small small 3.95 cm medium medium 4.22 cm medium large 5.02 cm large large 24 concave concave concave flat flat fiat convex convex convex 25 absent absent absent Present Present Present 26 acute acute acute approximately approximately approximately right angle right angle right angle obtuse obtuse obtuse 28 greenish yellow greenish yelow greenish yellow dark green green green (RHS Code: 136A) (RHS Code: 135B) (RHS Code: 134A) purplish red purplish red purpish red 29 absent absent absent Present Present Present 30 short short short 0.6 cm medium 1.34 cm medium 1.09 cm medium long long long 31 absent absent absent present present present 32 round round round reniform reniform reniform 33 two two two 3 or more 3 or more 3 or more 34 verysmal very small very small smal small small medium 208.7 g medium medium large large 247.4 g large 235.7 g very large very large very large 35 broad oblate broad oblate broad oblate oblate oblate oblate round rowd round ovate ovate ovate elliptic elliptic eliptic 36(*) prominently pointed prominenlly pointed prominently pointed weakly pointed weakly pointed weakly pointed flat flat flat weakly depressed weakly depressed weakly depressed strongly depressed strongly depressed strongly depressed 37 asymmetric asymmetric asymmetric symmetric symmetric symme&lc 38 weak weak weak medium medium medium strong strong strong 39 shallow shallow shalow medium 1.3 cm medium 1.3 cm medium 1.5 cm deep deep deep 40 narrow narrow narrow medium medium medium broad broad broad 41 green green green cream green cream green cream green greenish white geenish white greenish while cream white cream white cream white cream cream cream pink white pink white pink white greenish yellow geerish yelow greenish yelbw cream yellow cream yellow cream yelbw yellow yelow yelbw orange yellow orange yelow orange yelbw 42 absent absent absent present present present 43 orange red orange red orange red pink pink pink pink red pink red pink red light red ightred light red medium red medium red medium red dark red dark red dark red (RHSCode: 59A) 44 solid flush sold flush sold flush striped striped striped mottled mottled mottled marbled marbled marbled 45 absent or very small absent or very small absent or very small smat small small medium medium medium large large large very large very large very large 46 absent absent absent present present present 48 thin ftin thin medium medium medium thick thick thick 49 absent or very weak absent or very weak absent or very weak weak weak weak medium medium medium strong strong strong very strong very strong very strong 50 very soft very soft very soft soft soft soft medium medium medium firm firm firm very firm very firm very firm 51 greenish white greenish white greenish white white white whte yellowish white cream white cream white (RHS Code: 155B) (RHS Code: 40) light yelow light yelow light yellow yellow yellow yellow (RHS Code: 23A) orange yellow orange yellow orange yellow orange orange orange red red red 52 absent or very absent or very absent or very weakly expressed weakly expressed weekly expressed (RHS Code: 588) weakly expressed weakly expressed weakly expressed strongly expressed strongly expressed strongly expressed 53 absent or very absent or very absent or very weakly expressed weakly expressed weekly expressed (RHS Code: N66C) weakly expressed weakly expressed weakly expressed strongly expressed strongly expressed strongly expressed 54 absent or very absent or very absent or very weakly expressed weakly expressed weakly expressed weakly expressed weakly expressed weakly expressed red purple strongly expressed strongly expressed (RHS Code: N57B) 55 not fibrous not fibrous not fibrous fibrous fibrous fibrous 56 low bw low medium medium medium high high high 57 low low bw medium medium medium high high high 58 small small small medium medium medium large large large 59 oblate oblate oblate round round round elliptic elliptic eliptic obovate obovate obovate 60 light light light medium medium medium (RHS Code: N170B) dark dark dark (RHS Code: 185B) 61 small pits small pits small pits large pits large pits large pts grooves grooves grooves pits and grooves pits and grooves pits and grooves 62 absent or very low absent or very low absent or very low low low low medium medium medium high high high very high very high very high 63 absent absent absent Present Present Present 64 weak weak weak medium medium medium strong strong strong 65 very early very early very early early early early medium around medium March 19 medium March 19 March 25 late late late very late very late very late 66 very early very early very early early early early medium medium medium late late late very late very late very late 67 short short short medium 10 days medium 10 days medium 10 days long long long 68 very early very early very early early early early medium medium medium late August 25 to late August 28 to late August 20 to September 5 September 7 August 30 very late very late very late 69 absent or very weak absent or very weak absent or very weak weak weak weak medium medium medium strong strong strong very strong very strong very strong ¶ The boxed words (such as “medium”, “absent” and “very late”) under each cultivar name indicate the properties of the respective cultivars 

What is claimed is:
 1. A new and distinct variety of white nectarine tree (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch var. nucipersica (Suckow) C.K. Schneid.) denominated ‘SWEET REI’, as illustrated and described herein. 